Feeling hungry between meals can derail your energy levels and make it harder to focus on the day ahead. By reaching for high-protein snacks, you’ll keep your blood sugar steady, curb cravings, and power through your afternoon slump.
In this listicle, we’ve gathered 15 delicious, easy-to-prepare protein-packed snacks that will satisfy your appetite and fuel your body. Read on to discover new favorites and never be hungry again!
1. Greek Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– ½ cup mixed berries
– 2 tablespoons chopped nuts or granola
Why You’ll Love It
With around 15–20 grams of protein per serving, Greek yogurt provides a creamy base that pairs perfectly with antioxidant-rich berries and a crunchy topping for texture.
2. Cottage Cheese with Fruit
Ingredients
– ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
– Sliced peaches, pineapple, or melon
Why You’ll Love It
Cottage cheese delivers around 12–14 grams of protein in a half-cup, while fresh fruit adds natural sweetness and extra vitamins.
3. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Ingredients
– 2 large eggs, boiled and peeled
– Salt and pepper to taste
Why You’ll Love It
A quick grab-and-go snack with 12 grams of high-quality protein. Sprinkle on a little salt or chili flakes for a flavor boost.
4. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
Ingredients
– 3–4 slices deli turkey breast
– 2 slices cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone)
Why You’ll Love It
Each roll-up packs about 10–12 grams of protein, and you can add a smear of mustard or avocado for extra taste and healthy fats.
5. Protein Smoothie
Ingredients
– 1 scoop protein powder
– 1 cup milk or plant-based alternative
– ½ banana and a handful of spinach
Why You’ll Love It
Blendable in under a minute, this smoothie delivers up to 25 grams of protein plus fiber and micronutrients from fruit and greens.
6. Edamame
Ingredients
– 1 cup shelled edamame (steamed)
– A pinch of sea salt
Why You’ll Love It
Edamame offers about 17 grams of plant-based protein per cup along with fiber and essential minerals like magnesium.
7. Roasted Chickpeas
Ingredients
– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– Olive oil, garlic powder, paprika
Why You’ll Love It
Roast for 20–30 minutes at 400°F to create crunchy bites with roughly 6 grams of protein per half-cup.
8. Almonds and Cheese Cubes
Ingredients
– ¼ cup raw almonds
– 1 ounce cheddar or gouda cubes
Why You’ll Love It
Combining nuts and cheese yields around 10 grams of protein and a pleasant mix of textures—and healthy fats to keep you full.
9. Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Ingredients
– 1 banana, sliced
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
Why You’ll Love It
Spread peanut butter between two banana slices for mini “sandwiches” that offer about 7 grams of protein plus potassium and fiber.
10. Beef Jerky
Ingredients
– 1–2 ounces high-quality beef jerky
Why You’ll Love It
Jerky is a portable snack with 9–12 grams of protein per ounce. Choose low-sugar, minimally processed varieties for the best nutrition.
11. Tuna Salad Crackers
Ingredients
– ½ can tuna in water, drained
– 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or mayo
– Whole grain crackers
Why You’ll Love It
Mix tuna with Greek yogurt for a protein punch—about 20 grams per half-can—and scoop onto crackers for crunch.
12. Protein Energy Balls
Ingredients
– 1 cup oats
– ½ cup nut butter
– ¼ cup protein powder
– Honey or maple syrup to bind
Why You’ll Love It
Combine, roll into balls, and refrigerate. Each bite-sized sphere offers 5–8 grams of protein and lasts all week in the fridge.
13. Hummus and Veggie Sticks
Ingredients
– ¼ cup hummus
– Carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks
Why You’ll Love It
Hummus supplies about 5 grams of protein per serving plus fiber. Pair with crisp veggies for a colorful, crunchy snack.
14. Smoked Salmon on Cucumber Slices
Ingredients
– 4 cucumber slices
– 2 ounces smoked salmon
– Dill or chives for garnish
Why You’ll Love It
Top refreshing cucumber rounds with smoked salmon for a light, 10-gram protein snack that’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
15. Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
– 3 tablespoons chia seeds
– 1 cup milk or almond milk
– Sweetener and vanilla extract to taste
Why You’ll Love It
After an overnight soak, chia seeds swell into a pudding that packs 5 grams of protein alongside fiber and healthy fats. Customize with fruit or nuts.
With these 15 high-protein snack ideas in your repertoire, you can say goodbye to afternoon cravings and mid-morning hunger. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorites, and enjoy steady energy all day long!